Wednesday, December 30, 2015

FW: A Toast to YOU and the New Year 2016 and the festivities that make NO a great place to be!



Darlings,
I hope you are enjoying these tropical Holidays!
The Saints brought us a belated Christmas victory that I am sure many of you enjoyed. One of my wishes for the New Year is that our beloved Saints have a winning season in 2016.
This past week, I enjoyed working at Casell-Bergen Gallery and took off just in time to attend the wonderful annual NOCCA's Home for the Holidays. It was a  night of spectacular art and music benefiting the Daniel Price Memorial Fund for Aspiring Artists, which  provides scholarships for outstanding visual arts and music students at NOCCA.
I stayed long enough to enjoy the performance of “The Queen of Soul,” Grammy award-winner Irma Thomasand the talented John Boutte.Great fun time at the House of Blues listening to the Queen of Soul -Irma Thomas at the annual Daniel Price ' Home for the Holidays

On Christmas Day, my longtime friend, Janice Schreiber Vasquez, kindly invited me to join her for a delicious luncheon at her nephew’s lovely home in the Bywater.Enjoying Christmas with Janis Vasquez a dear friend

I also was invited to attend Marshall Harris and Harry Greenberger's annual get-together on Christmas Day at their lovely residence on Bayou St. John.
My darling friend Sammy Steele invited me and a lot of his friends to join him at the Saenger Theatre for the superb Dancing with the Stars Tour. It was the best present ever. I so much enjoyed the dynamic show and I hope you will enjoy the  enjoy the videos.https://www.facebook.com/margarita.bergen/videos/10153129016265870/?theater
On sad note, we were saddened by the passing of our beloved Jerry Romig, the Voice of the New Orleans Saints. May his soul rest in peace.
This week is going to be a very exciting one, full of what makes New Orleans a great place to be for the holidays. I am looking forward to going tonight to the opening of “Disney's Beauty & the Beast” at the Saenger Theater.
On Wednesday, December 30, is the start of the annual Allstate Sugar Bowl Classic series of events. As a prelude to the big bowl game, Usher will perform in a free, Fan Fest concert in New Orleans' iconic French Quarter. The R&B superstar, will perform in the Jax Brewery parking lot on Decatur Street near Jackson Square at 6:15 p.m., two days before Oklahoma State battles Ole Miss in the 2016 Sugar Bowl.
Fan Fest will continue on Thursday, December 31 with an Oklahoma State Pep Rally (1:30 p.m.), a New Year's Parade (3:30 p.m.) and an Ole Miss Pep Rally (5:15 p.m.). The event will also feature numerous activities that will be open to the public, including football-related drills and more.
The Allstate Fan Fest is free to the public and open from 12 noon to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 30, and 12 noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31.
The 2016 Allstate Sugar Bowl is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, January 1. As is traditional, the game will be played in the Mercedes Benz Superdome. The game will be broadcast on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. CST. Allstate will be celebrating its tenth year as the title sponsor of the Sugar Bowl.
For some fun, lively, early entertainment on New Year's Eve, come to Cafe Istanbul in the New Orleans Healing Arts Center, 2732 St. Claude Avenue in the Faubourg Marigny. Three of New Orleans top actors and comedians,Ricky Graham, Sean Patterson and Varla Jean Merman (aka Jeffery Roberson) will be premiering their original work, "Ditzyland," a spoof of the Disney animated classics.
You will see and hear some of your favorite Disney characters, including Snow White, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Peter Pan, Mary Poppins and many more singing humorous new lyrics to the old melodies.Jefferson Turner will accompany the performers on piano. With many costume changes and running gags, this promises to be a fun and funny show. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.com. Read more about this show in this Thursday's New Orleans Advocate, posted online Wednesday night.
And, for the most memorable New Year's Eve you’ll ever have, come to Jackson Square on the evening of December 31. In New Orleans, we celebrate New Year's Eve differently from most places. Sure, we have funny hats and noisemakers, but we add a little pizzazz to the occasion by ringing in the New Year our own way. This year’s festivities will not disappoint, and it’s FREE!
The evening’s big party will begin at the Decatur Street Stage in Jackson Square with live music and entertainment by Luke Winslow King at 9 p.m., followed by Cyril Neville’s Swamp Funk with special guestBig Chief Monk Boudreaux from 10:45–11:45 p.m. And, after that, the countdown to midnight begins.
The Quarter will be packed with festive partygoers and live music to count down the time until the New Year arrives. And instead of the typical New Year’s ball drop, New Orleans will have its giant fleur de lis drop from its 25-foot pole on the top of the Jax Brewery Condominiums.
Then the “Symphony in the Sky” begins with a spectacular fireworks display over the beautiful Mississippi River. Skyrockets will shoot up from twin barges anchored in the middle of the river in a magnificent panoply of color and sound. And after the show you can follow the crowds to Bourbon Street and party ‘til the wee hours of the morning. Every bar and nightclub will be celebrating the evening in its own special way. New Year’s Eve in New Orleans is a night you’ll always remember.
For more details on the fleur de lis drop and fireworks visit www.CrescentCityCountdown.com.
For a different kind of celebration, come to the KWANZAA - Lighting of the Candles festivities at the Ashe Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. in New Orleans from December 29, 2015 – January 1, 2016, starting at noon. Admission is free and open to the public
Kwanzaa, created by Dr. Maulana Karenga and first held in 1966-67, is a week-long celebration over the final week of the year. During this time you can join the Kuumba Institute in the lighting of the candles at noon on days of operation. Kwanzaa's seven core principles, or Nguzo Saba, are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).
HAVE A GREAT  2016 - It is yours to be!


link December 29
http://conta.cc/1YPsjN4
LaFete News
Editor / Publisher: Frank Stansbury
lafete11@att.net
504-450-1955
December 29-January 3
Disney's Beauty and the Beast!
Based on the Academy Award®-winning animated feature film, Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, presented by NETworks, has won the hearts of more than 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song. Experience the romance and enchantment of Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at the Saenger Theatre!

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

A Toast to all of you and my beloved New Orleans- Wishing YOU and your family the best Holiday Ever!

Happy Holidays my darling friends. 

 
I should be wearing a tee shirt or sign that says, "I survived the awesome, festive and chaotic Round Table Luncheon  at Antoine's where more than 235 showed up and there were only seats for 210."
December Round Table Luncheon at Antoine's with entertainers and yours truly as the Hostess


But that is not all, I had my annual fun-filled Fiesta Navidena at Casell Gallery and we enjoyed the great music by Julio and his nephew Hector Herrera since Cesar was sick- We  also enjoyed the delicious tasting  of Don Saul Tequila, provided by the tequila master and ambassador Julio Gonzalez  . The Salmons provided by Bonnie Broel were delicious as well as the roasted pork shoulders and the cavas.https://www.facebook.com/620512221338648/videos/1000027636720436/?pnref=story-  Check out this video
 
Having a great time at my Fiesta Navidena
Margarita Bergen's photo.
 
Of course that was not all. I also went to the preview opening of NOLA ChristmasFest, We  were the  first to experience New Orleans Indoor Ice Skating Rink and  the annual Lantern Parade!
Children of all ages were invited to light the way to the Private Preview Party at NOLA ChristmasFest.
 With record attendance so far at this year’s NOLA ChristmasFest, officials have announced that they are extending the hours of operation this Christmas weekend inside the Great Hall in the New Orleans Morial Convention Center.
The new extended hours will be Tuesday and Wednesday 12 Noon till 8 pm, Christmas Eve from Noon to 5 pm, Christmas Day from 2 pm to 8 pm, and  Saturday and Sunday from 10 am till 8 pm.
Thousands of families have packed the convention center for Christmastime merrymaking with the city’s only authentic ice skating rink, amusement rides, holiday characters and giant inflatables all under one roof as part of the biggest family holiday indoor event in the area.
Today and tomorrow are Coca Cola Student Discount Days where all school students 17 and under with a valid student ID will receive a five dollar discount on the All Access Pass.
NOLA ChristmasFest offers discounted parking at the Hilton Whale Surface Lot located in front of the Riverwalk, the Hilton World Trade Center Garage and the Fulton Garage on Convention Center Blvd. Parking discount details are available on the website.
NOLA ChristmasFest tickets are available online at www.nolachristmasfest.com. Single day general admission tickets are only $5, and they grant access to the Amazing Maze, the Kringle Carousel, Santa and holiday characters and beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Single day all-access tickets are $20. All-access tickets gain entry to the ice skating rink, rental of one pair of skates, carnival rides, inflatables, the Amazing Maze, Santa and holiday characters and the Great Hall of Trees.
 I also did not miss the wonderful holiday soiree hosted by Carl Mack at his lovely  residence by the Marigny 
If you've ever wondered if you could fit a SECOND LINE BAND, a tipsyMarshall HarrisBecky AllenCarl MackBonnie BroelMargarita Bergen, Darric Cavalier, A PIANO with JIM WALPOLE PLAYING IT, A SLEW OF CHRISTMAS CAROLING PARTY-GOERS, FOUR CAKES, A HIP DANCING LITTLE PERSON Backing that ass up, and a PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE in someone's living room... JUST GO OVER TO CARL MACK'S PLACE!
Oh I'm sure it's like this everyday over here... It's fr...
See Morehttps://www.facebook.com/marshall.harris.37/videos/10207317520112264/?theater
On Friday, it was time to attend the awesome Friday before Christmas Luncheon at Galatoire's. I was the guest of my darling friends Sammy Steele and Vic Planetta who spent a lot of money at the auction. It was all for a great cause since the funds benefited the New Orleans Mission and Boys Hope Girls Hope and the Galatoire Foundation. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153119891315870.1073742587.581200869&type=1&l=4a3076daee
Album from this past Friday Luncheon Before Christmas at Galatoire's. I was the guest of my darling friends Sammy Steele and Vic Planetta who spent a lot of money to buy 24 seats at the auction. It was all for a great cause since the funds benefited the New Orleans Mission and Boys Hope Girls Hope and the Galatoire Foundation.
Last night, I was invited to attend the Holiday Soiree for the Club of New Orleans at Morris Kahn' spectacular new residence in the Vieux Carre.

Each year, the Galatoire Foundation Christmas and Mardi Gras auctions assist in achieving the goals of local non-profits. Noting its tenth season this year, the Christmas and Mardi Gras auctions have raised more than $1 million dollars for local charities.
  Darlings, this week, I am going to work and enjoy the holidays but I am looking forward to December 22 fir the annual Home for the Holidays
Benefits:
The NOCCA Institute and the family of Daniel Price invite you HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
A fundraiser at House of Blues-

* Home for the Holidays is a night of spectacular art and music benefiting the Daniel Price Memorial Fund for Aspiring Artists, which  provides scholarships for outstanding visual arts and music students at NOCCA.scholarships to NOCCA students.

* Home for the Holidays features performances by some of New Orleans’ best-known musicians, including Trombone Shorty, Irma Thomas, Rebirth Brass Band, and Kermit Ruffins.

 Info: A night of art and music that benefits the Daniel Price Memorial Fund for Aspiring Artists, which provides scholarships for outstanding visual arts and music students at NOCCA.
Tickets: $37; $127 Patron
Location: House of Blues, 225 Decatur St.
Contact: 310-4999
Darlings what ever is your ethnic background- Wishing a Happy Holiday Season! ere are 30 different ways to express your holiday greetings to your friends!!! Enjoy!
Happy Holidays in French: Joyeuses Fêtes!
Happy Holidays in Spanish: Felices Fiestas!
Happy Holidays in Vietnamese: Hạnh phúc ngày lễ
Happy Holidays in Chinese: 節日快樂
Happy Holidays in Filipino: Masaya pista opisyal
Happy Holidays in Irish: Laethanta saoire sona
Happy Holidays in Swedish: Trevlig Helg!
Happy Holidays in Portuguese: Boas Festas!
Happy Holidays in Turkish: Mutlu Bayramlar!
Happy Holidays in Romanian: Sarbatori Fericite!
Happy Holidays in Korean: 행복 휴일
Happy Holidays in Slovenian: Vesele Praznike
Happy Holidays in Indonesian: Selamat Hari Raya!
Happy Holidays in Croatian: Sretni praznici!
Happy Holidays in Hungarian: Boldog Ünnepeket
Happy Holidays in Greek: Καλές δικακοπές! (kales diakopes)
Happy Holidays in Danish: Glade feriedage
Happy Holidays in Albanian: Gëzuar Festat
Happy Holidays in Mandarin: Jie Ri Yu Kuai
Happy Holidays in Catalan: Bones Festes!
Happy Holidays in Latin: Felix feriarum
Happy Holidays in Swahili: Furaha likizo
Happy Holidays in Japanese: 幸せな休日
Happy Holidays in Hebrew: חג שמח
Happy Holidays in Italian: Buone Feste!
Happy Holidays in South African (Xhose): Ii holide eximnandi
Happy Holidays in German: Forhe Feiertage
Happy Holidays in Dutch: Prettige feestdagen
Happy Holidays in Hawaiian: Hau’oli Lanui
Happy Holidays in Gaelic: Beannachtaí na Féile

Have a great holiday.  and remember that There is No Place Like Home for the Holidays



CALENDAR OF EVENTS: 

link December 22
http://conta.cc/1O6lpRY
LaFete News
Editor / Publisher: Frank Stansbury
lafete11@att.net
504-450-1955

NOLA CHRISTMASFEST

December 22 – 27, 2015

The Third Annual NOLA ChristmasFest invites all New Orleanians and visiting families to experience the Christmas spirit with an indoor family holiday festival. This year's NOLA ChristmasFest feature... more

CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS: UNTIL-JANUARY 3, 2016

A month-long holiday light exhibit with magic aglow at every turn, Celebration in the Oaks features festive displays of nearly two million lights decorating 100-year-old oak trees. It's a New Orleans family tradition featuring nightly entertainment, photos with Santa, dancing lights, a laser show, a full cafe and amusement rides. 

CHRISTMAS NEW ORLEANS STYLE: DECEMBER 2015

Riverfront bonfires, the brilliantly-lit Celebration in the Oaks, the Cathedral Concert Series and free cooking demos from esteemed chefs - the Christmas and holiday season gets a whole lot more interesting in New Orleans. Visitors and locals alike enjoy an authentic New Orleans twist on the holidays each year. Plus, many hotels offer "Papa Noel" rates, some of the best lodging deals of the year. '

Holiday Home and Courtyard Tours of the Williams Residence

December 22 – 27, 2015
  • Location: Historic New Orleans Collection, The
  • Address: 533 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
  • Times: Friday-Saturday, 10am, 11am, 2pm, 3pm; Sunday, 11am, 2pm, 3pm
  • Admission: $5.00 per person
  • Phone: 504-523-4662
  • Venue: Historic New Orleans Collection, The
  • Visit Website
Have a great holiday.  and remember that There is No Place Like Home for the Holidays
My ad for the holidays!
Very limited editons - Don't miss out Visit www: casellbergengallery.comand pay with Pay Pal